Three women in politics discuss the ups and downs of being in the public eye

Political parties on both sides of the aisle say it is tough to convince women to stand for elections.

While more are stepping forward to take on key political roles, it can be a struggle to balance family life and political ambition.

The country has had notable women in politics since achieving self-governance in 1959.

At the general election that year, five women were elected into the Legislative Assembly, accounting for about 10 per cent of the 51 seats.

This proportion grew to a historic high of 29.3 per cent in 2024.

Three women politicians speak to The Straits Times about the stereotypes they have had to push against and what keeps them going.

Rahayu Mahzam: The accidental politician

If not for a “misunderstanding”, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, 44, may never have joined politics.

When asked to stand for the 2011 General Election, she discussed it with her then husband-to-be, and decided it was not a good time.

Thinking he was on board when the second request came in 2015, she agreed. But after she became an MP for Jurong GRC, she realised he had been okay with her continuing as a volunteer, not becoming a politician.

“I had thought that we already had that conversation,” she said. “When it did happen, eventually I realised that he was not so comfortable with it.”

While he remained supportive, the decision took its toll on her marriage, especially after their son was born.

What has made a difference is having an ecosystem of support for her son, Ms Rahayu said.

She believes that conversations on creating this ecosystem must involve both men and women – it is not a zero-sum game.

Sylvia Lim: Match made in Parliament

Ms Sylvia Lim, 59, has held her own in many intense debates since joining Parliament in 2006.

But only one exchange in August 2012 has made such a difference in her life.

That debate caught the attention of Mr Quah Kim Song, the former national footballer she will be marrying next year.

“It was quite heated, and he told me that he was actually very impressed with me,” said the Workers’ Party chairwoman. “From that, I knew this person is not intimidated by women who speak up.”

After watching his future wife’s spirited defence of her position, Mr Quah reached out through mutual friends, sparking their relationship.

After 12 years together, the two will be getting married in 2025.

Hazel Poa: A family affair

For Ms Hazel Poa, 54, it was her husband who inspired her to join politics in 2009.

Mr Tony Tan, 54, was the first in the family to join an opposition party.

His experience strengthened her conviction that Singapore needed a stronger opposition for the electorate to have real alternatives to the ruling party.

“It helps to have someone who is always there to support. And politics can be quite demanding sometimes.” added Ms Poa.

After a few years with the National Solidarity Party they left politics, but the bug bit again for Ms Poa.

This time, she joined the Progress Singapore Party.

She became a Non-Constituency MP in 2020, and took over from her fellow NCMP Leong Mun Wai in 2024 as the party’s leader.

This article was originally published in The Straits Times.